So, after 35,800 miles on the clock, my '96 F3 developed a fuel leak which appears to be originating from the float bowls. I took it into a shop to have the valves adjusted, and they found the fuel leak, which explains the recent decrease in mpg. The shop was backed up with work, so I opted to take it home and try my hand at surgery. I know my way around cars, and I've done some work on my bike before, but usually I had a very knowledgeable friend within yelling distance. Sadly, he moved, so I'm on my own here.

I managed to get the carbs off today, and the float bowl gaskets are rock hard. Also, the petcock valve doesn't shut off the fuel. The shop said that never turning off the fuel may have aggravated the float bowls into leaking, is this actually the case?

I've looked at the valve adjustment thread, and it just looks like something that's extremely complicated and really easy to screw up. I don't think I'd be comfortable doing it myself.

Basically, I'd like to get another 15-20k miles out of my F3, at minimal cost. Is replacing the petcock valve important? Should I get the valves adjusted?

 

I typically check and if needed adjust my valves every 16k miles. I have an 02F4i and I've never had any out of spec.
As for the carbs, yes having a petcock that doesn't shut off can be a bad thing. Mostly if the bike sits for extended periods of time (weeks to months) without being started or run. I would take the carbs apart and soak them in cleaner than make sure the jets aren't clogged and that the needles and seats are clean. Replace the float bowl gaskets and petcock and you should be good.

I own a repair shop in Commerce,Ga so I'd like to think I'm not blowing smoke up your tail pipe!!!

 

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered parts today. Hopefully I'll be able to patch this up next weekend.